The NHL noted the decision took into account that each player had already "been away from the game for 20 months."

The five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial can return to the NHL when their suspensions end on Dec. 1, the NHL announced Thursday.

The NHL Players’ Association initially took issue, saying in its own statement that the league’s approach was “inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA” and that they planned ...